{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Hilltop Heritage Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":18.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":5425692,"projectId":10264772,"letterContent":"The new LEGO sets have quickly become one of the most exciting resources in our library! Students are using them for hands-on building challenges that encourage creativity, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork. One of my favorite moments was watching a group of students work together to complete a LEGO challenge. They had different ideas about how their creation should be built, but instead of giving up, they discussed their ideas, divided responsibilities, tested different solutions, and worked together until they created something they were all proud of. These experiences allow students to practice important academic and social-emotional skills while learning through play.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the LEGO sets, their excitement was immediate! They could not wait to open the sets, explore the pieces, and start creating. Students who may not always participate in traditional activities were eager to get involved, and the LEGO sets provided a comfortable way for them to connect with other students. It has been wonderful to see students naturally helping one another, sharing materials, explaining their ideas, and celebrating each other's creations. The LEGO sets have helped make our library an even more welcoming space where students can explore their interests and feel a sense of belonging.\r\n\r\nOur next step is to expand the LEGO activities into more structured STEM, design, and collaborative challenges. Students will be asked to plan a creation, build a prototype, test it, identify problems, and make improvements based on what they learn. We will also continue incorporating challenges that require students to communicate, problem-solve, and work as a team. Thanks to your generosity, our students have a resource that goes far beyond building with bricks—you have given them opportunities to create, collaborate, persevere, and discover that learning can happen in many different ways.","fullyFundedDate":1779299829754,"projectUrl":"project/legos-in-the-library/10264772/","projectTitle":"LEGOS in the Library","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Baughman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5425692_orig.jpg?crop=558,558,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1597260076112","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/dawnbaughman"},{"teacherId":5425692,"projectId":10260963,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our students now have manga books that are opening the door to reading in exciting new ways. These books help students strengthen important literacy skills. While students are enjoying the books, they are also building reading stamina, confidence, and critical-thinking skills.\r\n\r\nReading in our library is all about choice, exploration, and helping every student discover a book that makes them want to keep reading. Students browse the shelves, read independently, talk with friends about their favorite books, and eagerly recommend titles and series to one another. Since adding these manga books, there has been even more excitement around reading. Students are coming into the library looking for specific titles, asking for the next book in a series, and sharing their enthusiasm with their classmates.\r\n\r\nSome of the greatest impact has been with our reluctant readers and students who have struggled to see themselves as readers. Manga's combination of engaging artwork, accessible text, and exciting storylines gives these students an inviting entry point into reading. Seeing a student who rarely checks out a book become excited about finishing one and immediately asking for the next book in the series is incredibly rewarding. Because of your support, more of our students are discovering that there truly is a book for everyone—and sometimes it just takes the right book to help a student become a reader. Thank you for helping us put those books into their hands!","fullyFundedDate":1777990965709,"projectUrl":"project/manga-for-the-library/10260963/","projectTitle":"Manga for the Library","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Baughman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5425692_orig.jpg?crop=558,558,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1597260076112","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/dawnbaughman"},{"teacherId":5396763,"projectId":10264939,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for seeing the value of supporting teachers through the journey of education. Your donations may not seem like much, but can make a huge difference in the daily lives of every student that walks through my classroom. In a world where every day is something different, knowing that the DonorsChoose community always is something that a teacher can go to and count on, provides a sense of hope! I am eternally grateful that you chose to be a part of our Bobcat community and we are so thankful for your donation!","fullyFundedDate":1786542204977,"projectUrl":"project/simple-supplies/10264939/","projectTitle":"Simple Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Waller","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5396763_orig.jpg?crop=960,960,x0,y67&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1631034282967","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5396763"},{"teacherId":8076789,"projectId":10052331,"letterContent":"o Whom It May Concern; \r\n\r\nThank you so much for your wonderful support. Our project was a success thanks to you! \r\n\r\nStudents now have access to books that represent them and challenge them. Our classroom looks more like a library and the students are thrilled. \r\n\r\nSince the project has been funded, students are borrowing books from our classroom library at the highest rate ever. Some students have told me that now they love reading because of the novels you helped get in their hands. Students also have been using the books for collaborative book groups called Literature Circles. They have been working with their peers analyzing the texts. \r\n\r\nStudents also have been enjoying access to other materials that this project has funded as well as the snacks you have helped us procure. We know that students need supplies and food to be successful in the classroom. \r\n \r\nThese novel sets along with other hands-on activities have brought so much happiness to my students. I am amazed at the level of focus while they are building and I am so grateful I am able to provide this activity for my students. \r\n \r\nI am forever grateful for your support. \r\n\r\nMs. Cook","fullyFundedDate":1773888978383,"projectUrl":"project/building-readers-so-that-they-become-lea/10052331/","projectTitle":"Building Readers So That They Become Leaders!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cook","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8076789_orig.jpg?crop=720,720,x128,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1634765698397","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8076789"},{"teacherId":8001889,"projectId":10094081,"letterContent":"Your donation made it possible to put engaging books in my students hands. All of the books they have asked for, or read and then wanted the sequel have been provided to them.\r\nThey are busy reading and dialoguing them in their journals. Making connections. I have 2 favorite pieces to this. 1. Hearing them recommend books to their peers. 2. Asking me for a book title and being able to say \"it's right here!\"\r\nWe start every class with 10-15 minutes of silent reading every day. It is routine, and most kids look forward to it and count on it in their day.\r\nBecause of you- I have been able to continue this and keep it present, engaging, and rich.\r\nThank you so much. You are appreciated.","fullyFundedDate":1771023647278,"projectUrl":"project/choice-books-2/10094081/","projectTitle":"Choice Books 2","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Mladenich","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8001889_orig.jpg?crop=1496,1496,x662,y777&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1629486512879","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8001889"},{"teacherId":5396763,"projectId":9622395,"letterContent":"Thank you so incredibly much for supporting this project. These items have given our student leaders the opportunity to learn important life skills while running a token economy store during lunches. Students have been heavily encouraged to earn their SWAG so that they can get rewards! We have even been able to use some of the items for other events: 3.0 BINGO, monthly rewards for excelling at our Bobcat Pillars and during our PEP Assemblies. Whether you realize it or not, you have been an impactful part of our school year! THANK YOU!","fullyFundedDate":1767637888483,"projectUrl":"project/swag-store-25-26/9622395/","projectTitle":"SWAG Store 25-26","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Waller","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5396763_orig.jpg?crop=960,960,x0,y67&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1631034282967","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5396763"},{"teacherId":5425692,"projectId":10026936,"letterContent":"Because of these new materials, my students are now able to fully engage in learning without the stress of not having basic supplies. One meaningful moment happened during a recent social studies lesson when students organized their notes on early civilizations using folders and sticky notes to track key ideas—we use the folders to keep our assignments organized so students can easily find and manage their work. Instead of asking for pencils or paper, every student was ready to begin, and we were able to dive straight into the lesson. Students used their materials to create structured notes, highlight important information, and keep their work organized across multiple days. When the supplies first arrived, students were genuinely excited—many expressed relief knowing they would always have what they needed, and that sense of security has made a noticeable difference in their focus and participation.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, students will continue building strong organizational habits as we move into longer projects, including research-based assignments where they will gather information, take notes, and organize their thinking using folders and paper. These materials are helping create a calm, consistent classroom environment where students can focus on learning, practicing mindfulness, and developing independence. With these supports in place, I am able to spend more time teaching and less time troubleshooting missing supplies, allowing for deeper instruction and more meaningful learning experiences.","fullyFundedDate":1773256872322,"projectUrl":"project/basic-school-supplies/10026936/","projectTitle":"Basic School Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Baughman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5425692_orig.jpg?crop=558,558,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1597260076112","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/dawnbaughman"},{"teacherId":5425692,"projectId":9766333,"letterContent":"Thanks to these new materials, my students are now actively building their understanding of social studies concepts instead of just reading about them. One powerful moment was during our geography unit, when students used wikki stix to trace rivers, mountains, and borders directly onto maps. This allowed them to physically interact with the content and better understand how geography shapes civilizations. During our ancient civilizations study, students used play doh to construct models of the Egyptian pyramids, sparking meaningful conversations about engineering, culture, and purpose. When students first saw the materials, their excitement was immediate—many who typically struggle to engage were eager to participate, collaborate, and share their creations. The hands-on approach has increased both engagement and confidence, especially for students who learn best through movement and visual expression.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, students will continue to use these materials to deepen their learning through creative projects, including designing their own civilizations and building models that reflect key geographic and cultural features. They will also use rainbow paper to create visual presentations that explain their thinking and connect ideas across units. These resources have helped create a more inclusive classroom where all students can access the content in ways that match their strengths. Moving forward, I plan to incorporate more student choice and project-based learning opportunities, allowing students to take ownership of their learning while applying social studies concepts in meaningful, memorable ways.","fullyFundedDate":1768448326906,"projectUrl":"project/art-supplies-for-social-studies-success/9766333/","projectTitle":"Art Supplies for Social Studies Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Baughman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5425692_orig.jpg?crop=558,558,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1597260076112","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/dawnbaughman"},{"teacherId":5425692,"projectId":9299034,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our middle school library has been transformed into a space where kindness is created, shared, and celebrated. Students are actively using the beads, string, and tools to design and make friendship bracelets that are placed around our school for others to find. One powerful moment happened during our first bracelet-making session—students who don't usually work together sat side by side, helping each other choose colors and tie knots. As they worked, conversations shifted from \"What are you making?\" to \"Who are you making this for?\" That small shift showed the true impact of this project, students are thinking about others and how they can make someone's day better.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, students were immediately excited and curious. The bright colors and variety of beads sparked creativity, and many students couldn't wait to get started. Some even began planning who they wanted to surprise—a friend, a teacher, or even a stranger in the hallway. There was a sense of energy and purpose in the room, and students quickly understood that this project was about more than crafting—it was about spreading kindness.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, students will continue creating bracelets to place throughout the school during the day and at after-school events and community gatherings. Our next steps include having students write small messages of kindness to accompany the bracelets and reflect on how their actions impact others. \r\n\r\nBecause of you, our students are not only creating bracelets—they are building empathy, confidence, and a stronger sense of community. Your support has helped turn a simple idea into a meaningful movement of kindness that is spreading throughout our school.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping us make kindness visible.","fullyFundedDate":1746464959028,"projectUrl":"project/kindness-bracelets/9299034/","projectTitle":"Kindness Bracelets","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Baughman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5425692_orig.jpg?crop=558,558,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1597260076112","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/dawnbaughman"},{"teacherId":8001889,"projectId":9708614,"letterContent":"What a great first semester of the new school year! Why? Because I was able to introduce students to books students have been asking about for a few years now. I started the year with book talks about books in our very own classroom library. So it was an immediate reward for a student that was interested in a book I discussed. And then it was easy to pass on to the next student when they were finished. As more and more students finished reading the same books, we were able to have impromptu discussions on them. Always good convo when it's about books!","fullyFundedDate":1758822264215,"projectUrl":"project/choice-books/9708614/","projectTitle":"Choice Books","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Mladenich","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8001889_orig.jpg?crop=1496,1496,x662,y777&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1629486512879","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8001889"},{"teacherId":5396763,"projectId":9470180,"letterContent":"Thank you for continuously seeing the need to support educators in every community. The opportunity that this platform allows has given me so much support throughout the years and I am eternally grateful. \r\n\r\nThis project has given our classroom environment so much success in just the first few months. From having a functional pencil sharpener to a piece of construction paper for a classroom project. Students never need to worry about asking for help, knowing that we have the resources readily available.","fullyFundedDate":1756011178202,"projectUrl":"project/simple-supplies/9470180/","projectTitle":"Simple Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Waller","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5396763_orig.jpg?crop=960,960,x0,y67&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1631034282967","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5396763"},{"teacherId":5425692,"projectId":9179131,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in providing a walking treadmill for our classroom. Your contribution has made a meaningful difference in how my students learn, focus, and engage each day.\r\n\r\nWe are using the treadmill as a flexible learning tool that allows students to move while working independently or during small-group activities. One memorable moment came during a reading and note-taking activity, when a student who often struggles to stay focused was able to walk at a steady pace while completing their work. Not only did they remain engaged for the entire lesson, but they also proudly shared that the movement helped them concentrate and think more clearly.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the treadmill, their excitement was immediate. They were amazed that something designed to help them learn could also help them move and feel better at the same time. Many students asked thoughtful questions about how and when they could use it, and they quickly recognized that this was a resource meant to support both their physical well-being and academic success.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, our next steps include incorporating the treadmill regularly into lessons that require sustained focus, such as reading comprehension, research, and writing activities. As we continue our current classroom projects, students will have more opportunities to choose movement as a strategy to support their learning, helping them build healthy habits that extend beyond the classroom.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving us a peek of your support and for investing in both the minds and well-being of my students. We are truly grateful for your kindness and belief in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1742915556652,"projectUrl":"project/walking-treadmill/9179131/","projectTitle":"Walking Treadmill","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Baughman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5425692_orig.jpg?crop=558,558,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1597260076112","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/dawnbaughman"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_36352","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":442,"numTeachers":29,"percentFrplEligible":74,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":13,"percentWhite":38,"percentIndigenous":1,"percentLatinx":20,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":2,"percentMultiracialImputed":20,"gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"15.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":81.1,"schoolId":36352,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Hilltop Heritage Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Hilltop Heritage Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/washington/tacoma-public-schools/jason-lee-middle-school/36352"}